11th grader achieves black belt, lives life with passion
Quaid Murray
sstrauss@idahopress.com
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Quaid Murray, Thomas Jefferson Charter School
Sixteen-year-old Quaid Murray, a junior at Thomas Jefferson Charter School in Caldwell, has achieved what very few people studying martial arts accomplish: he earned his black belt in Tang Soo Do.
"I have been doing martial arts for almost five years now and my black belt testing was Sept. 19, and I say it was the hardest test I have ever taken and will ever take," said Murray, who practices martial arts with instructor Dave Lewis at White Crane/Traditions Martial Arts.
The Murray file
Age: 16
GPA: 4.0
Family: mother, Janice and father, Rick
Activities: yearbook, prom committee, student government, National Honor Society
Hobbies: martial arts, volunteer at church
Future plans: Go to college, get a degree in Mechanical Engineering, find a wife and live life with a passion and purpose.
- Please see the STAT Sheet in Caldwell and Nampa for more information about good kids. The STAT Sheet can be found at local businesses, Nampa and Caldwell schools, the Idaho Press-Tribune and city halls.
Who is your role model?
Matthew Kelly and his book "The Rhythm of Life."
What is it about your role model that helps you be successful?
His words in his books have changed my life. I was able to understand life and all the gifts in it.
Do you do anything regularly to make the world around you a better place?
I volunteer at church, teach people Tang Soo Do.
When people first meet you, what do you think their impression is?
They might think I'm shy because I don't talk that much to strangers.
Once they get to know you, does that impression change?
Yes, I'm more energetic, I'm fun to be around and they will find out that I'm a trustworthy person with respect.
What values do you hold closest to your heart?
Respect everyone, listen to people and live life with passion and purpose.
Have you always been the way you are today?
Last year, when I read Matthew Kelly's book, his book spoke to me in a special way, and I saw that I needed to change my life if I wanted to be happy.
What advice would you give to kids your age about achieving goals?
Write down a list of your goals and ask yourself what are you doing to achieve those goals. If you are not achieving those goals, then find a way to. Nothing is better than the satisfaction of achieving a goal.
What advice have you been given that really made a difference?
First know who you are, then you will be able to understand others.
What do you like to do in your free time when you are not in school?
Hang out with friends, talk on the phone and practice Tang Soo Do.
